Line connection
Use the Line connection tool to create a continuous hinge, rigid link or spring between two coincident edges or parallel lines.
When you select Line connection, a tool palette opens.
Main tools
- Define - place a new line connection with the current direction and definition settings
- Properties - check or edit properties of existing line connections. Opens the Default settings dialogue for the selected elements
- Edit connected objects - add or remove objects linked by the selected line connection
- Default settings - set the default parameters for new line connections (read below in more detail)
Direction methods
Only available while Define tool is selected
- Predefined directions - align the connection along a standard axis set
- Global coordinate system - use global axes X Y Z
- User coordinate system - use the current UCS axes x y z
- Local system - define a custom coordinate system for the connection
Definition methods
- Straight line - pick two points to draw a straight-line connection
- Arc by center, start point and angle - define the centre, a start point and sweep angle
- Arc by 3 points - define three points on the arc
- Arc by start, end point and tangent - define start and end points plus the tangent at start
- Line by selection - select an existing line or edge to define the connection path
Default settings
When you press the Default settings button, a dialogue window opens.
This dialogue contains two tabs: General and Data. These follow the settings used in all support elements and edge connections.
note
To read more about these settings, see:
User interface ➔ Tab menus ➔ Structure ➔ Additional dialogues ➔ Edge connections